Doctor Who

There was a small commotion among Doctor Who fans this week then the BBC announced the identity of the next Doctor — actress Jodie Whittaker, who happens to be a female. Whittaker is the 13th different incarnation of the Doctor and the sixth version in the “New Who” series, but is the first female to ever take on the role, causing much angst for a small segment of male fans who apparently can’t handle these types of things.

Rather than just complain on Twitter, some fans actually wrote to the BBC to lodge an official complaint. Since the BBC is a public broadcaster, partially funded by taxpayer dollars, they are required to officially respond to all complaints, no matter how silly.

In this case, their response is excellent. In true British fashion, they politely, yet firmly, tell anyone who is upset that the Doctor is now taking a female form to simply get over it.

Since the first Doctor regenerated back in 1966, the concept of the Doctor as a constantly evolving being has been central to the programme. The continual input of fresh ideas and new voices across the cast and the writing and production teams has been key to the longevity of the series.

The Doctor is an alien from the planet Gallifrey and it has been established in the show that Time Lords can switch gender.

As the Controller of BBC Drama has said, Jodie is not just a talented actor but she has a bold and brilliant vision for her Doctor. She aced it in her audition both technically and with the powerful female life force she brings to the role. She is destined to be an utterly iconic Doctor.

We hope viewers will enjoy what we have in store for the continuation of the story.

There you go. Since the Doctor is a shapeshifting alien, it can literally take on any form it wants. Odd how it was never a problem when the Doctor went from being a young white male to a much older white male, but switching genders is suddenly a controversy. Personally, we can’t wait to see the new doctor tackle some of the series’ greatest villains! And there’s a good chance that Whittaker will add her name to this list of the greatest Doctor Who episodes ever by the time she’s done with the role.